About
Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, popularly known as Mysuru Zoo, is one of the oldest zoos in the country. According to the zoo’s own website it was established in 1892 by Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar, then ruler of Mysuru, and was named after him in 1909. The Mysuru district website adds that the zoo began as a private zoo for the royal family and that public entry started as early as 1920.
The zoo’s website says it began with an area of 10.9 acres, received an additional 6.22 acres in 1907, and was later expanded to 45 acres. A further 50 acres of Kensington Gardens along with Thandisadak were acquired, so the total area is now given as 157.02 acres, including 77.02 acres of Karanji Lake. The landscape was designed by G.H. Krumbiegel, a German landscaper and horticulturist engaged for the purpose.
The zoo is known for recreating natural habitat for captive animals, with moated enclosures instead of barred or fenced ones. The zoo’s website states that it houses more than 1,450 animals of about 150 species from more than 25 countries. Groups listed include big cats (tiger, leopard, lion, jaguar, cheetah), primates (chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur and others) and large mammals such as Asiatic and African elephants, Indian and southern white rhinoceros, hippopotamus and gaur.
The zoo also runs a 113-acre facility for rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals, which includes a conservation breeding centre for Indian gaur, dhole, grey wolf and lion-tailed macaque. A bust of the founder was installed near the entrance during the centenary celebrations.
Timings to Visit
Tuesday Holiday | Zoo – 08:30 AM – 05:30 PM
The zoo’s website lists 08:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with Tuesday as the weekly holiday. The same website carries notices that the zoo stays open on certain Tuesdays (for example around festival holidays), so check the notice on mysuruzoo.info before planning a Tuesday visit. The Mysuru district website lists the opening time as 10:00 AM, which differs from the zoo’s own site.
Entry Fee
Ticket Price on “Weekdays (Mon-Fri)”
Adult: Rs.50/-
Child: Rs.20/-
Ticket Price on Public Holidays/ Weekends
Adult: Rs.60/-
Child: Rs.30/-
Camera Ticket Cost
Still Camera: Rs.20/-
Video Camera: Rs.150/-
The rates above are older figures. The “Plan your visit” page of the zoo’s website currently lists one rate for all days: adults Rs.120, children aged 5 to 12 Rs.60, and children below 5 years free. The district website lists Rs.100 for adults and Rs.50 for children. Confirm the current ticket price at the entrance or on the zoo’s website.
Other charges listed by the zoo
- Parking (all days): cycle Rs.15, two-wheeler Rs.40, car/jeep/auto Rs.70, mini bus/tempo Rs.125, bus Rs.175.
- Zoo and Karanji Lake combo ticket: adults Rs.150, children (5 to 12 years) Rs.80.
- Battery vehicle: the zoo’s ticketing portal lists Rs.240 for an adult and Rs.180 for a child (5 to 12) or senior citizen, with a 7-seater vehicle bookable as a whole for Rs.2,400. The portal says prior registration is required for zoo entry and battery vehicle booking.
Visitor facilities named on the zoo’s website include battery-operated vehicles, lawns, toilets, RO drinking water, a food court, a library, wheelchairs and umbrellas. The zoo lists the telephone number 0821 244 0752; the district website gives 0821-2520302.
How to reach Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
By Air: Mysore Airport – 10 km
By Train: Mysuru Railway Station – 3.5 km,
By Bus: Bangalore – 150 km, Mysuru – 2.5 km
The Mysuru district website lists the airport at 10.7 km, the railway station at 3.2 km and the suburban bus stand at 1.9 km. The zoo is in the middle of the city and can be reached by public transport.
Address
Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Zoo Main Road, Indira Nagar, Ittige Gudu, Mysuru, Karnataka 570010
Mysuru Official Site for Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
karnataka Tourism Official Site for Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
Also Read Places to Visit in Karnataka
